No vague "contact for pricing." Here's exactly what it costs, what's included, and how to think about the value — before you ever reach out.
All rates are per person and all-inclusive: menu consultation, ingredient sourcing from Ojai Valley farms and the Santa Barbara coast, in-home cooking, full service for every course, and complete cleanup after the meal. No add-ons, no gratuity required. Final pricing confirmed at booking based on guest count, course count, and specialty sourcing.
A private chef dinner isn't just cooking. Before your guests arrive, there's a planning conversation about your occasion, the menu is built around your table — not pulled from a template — and ingredients are sourced during the week of your event from farms I know and trust.
On the night itself, I arrive 2–3 hours early. I set up, organize the kitchen, and have everything running before your guests walk in. Courses are timed around your evening — no rush, no awkward pauses. After the final course, I clean the kitchen completely. You don't touch a dish.
That full arc — from planning through cleanup — is what the per-person rate covers. There are no surprise add-ons. Alcohol is the only thing not included.
| Factor | Private Chef (Estate Chef) |
Fine Dining Restaurant |
Catering Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu designed for you | ✓ | – | – |
| Cooked in your home | ✓ | – | – |
| Cleanup included | ✓ | – | Sometimes |
| Dietary needs accommodated | ✓ From menu design | Limited | Limited |
| Locally sourced ingredients | ✓ Ojai Valley farms | Varies | Rarely |
| Michelin-trained chef | ✓ | Varies | – |
| No driving required | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Price per person (est.) | $180–$400+ | $120–$350+ | $80–$200+ |
Restaurant estimates include food, tax, and 20–25% tip. Private chef rate includes everything except alcohol. Catering estimates for comparable food quality.
"Transparent pricing is a policy. If you have to ask, something's being hidden. That's not how we work."— Chef Ryan McLaughlin, Private Chef · Ojai
Share the occasion, guest count, and any preferences. I'll respond within 24 hours with availability and a clear price — no vague ranges, no callbacks required.